The issue: The budget relies on nearly $11 billion in federal stimulus money, but about half of that subs for state money that otherwise would be needed in areas including public education.

Shapleigh, citing a letter from Democratic congressional leaders, is concerned that federal stimulus money isn’t meant to be used in this way, especially when the state has billions in its savings account known as the rainy day fund.

Ogden, defending the Senate Finance Committee’s work, said, “I would assure you Senator that we played no games with this federal stimlulus money.”